IMC25 - Celebrating 25 years of Improvised Music Company

The live performance element has always been at the forefront of IMC’s output, and this celebratory night will be no exception with a full and varied programme of original jazz and groove.

Irish saxophonist and Berklee graduate Matthew Halpin will perform a dynamic tenor sax solo set. Halpin has performed on numerous occasions with IMC; most recently at Down With Jazz in 2016. 

One of Irelands most promising piano trios, The CEO Experiment bring elements of post-bop and contemporary jazz through original compositions and reworking of standards. Although none of this trio is Irish born, all have made Dublin their home and brought their own fresh sounds and influences.

Highlighting again the diversity of musicians in our capital, Congolese guitarist, Niwel Tsumbu weaves together an ethnically eclectic set of material informed as much by his native DRC as the jazz canon. His electrically charged live sets have been the highlight of many summer festivals including IMC’s recent ‘Hotter Than July’ world music event in Smithfield.

Following this, Irish 12 points artists Insufficient Funs will perform a scorching bass saxophone/drums duo of Matthew Jacobson and Sam Comerford. 

A special performance for IMC25 is an expanded version of Chris Guilfoyle’s vibrant quintet Umbra. Dubbed SuperUmbra, Guilfoyle has expanded the lineup to a 9-piece, which will feature some of the most interesting players on the European Jazz scene, showcase Guilfoyle’s skills as a deft arranger for large ensembles as well as strong solos.

“The guitarist’s original arrangements (are) striking, manipulating the dynamics to good effect, while the individual virtuosity is impressive. Fiery improvisation, however, never overpowered sophisticated rhythmic and melodic elements” – Ian Patterson, All About Jazz

Late into the night, Mixtapes From The Underground will take to the stage. A hip-hop infused jazz-tinged tightly wrapped funk machine led by drummer Dennis Cassidy and a cohort of some of Irelands finest. Mixtapes have raised the bar in bridging and blurring genres in Ireland, and ccollectively they showcase the best of what jazz musicians are integrating to create new progressive urban music under the increasingly “meta” umbrella of jazz.
“Cassidy and his crew know exactly when to turn the screw, moving seamlessly from spacey interludes to floor-filling grooves that leave standard hip-hop backing tracks for dead.” The Irish Times

More acts are soon to be announced, adding to this already stellar celebration of jazz, improvised and experimental music in Ireland.